Preparing for the People of Waco issue, formally known as the People of 254, is something the office takes very seriously. As we pitch and culminate our list of people to interview, it makes us realize how vast our community is. We interviewed over 20 Wacoans from different professions, ethnicities, genders and backgrounds and discovered new gems of Waco, shared in their fond memories and realized why they have continued to make Waco their home. It’s so interesting to us to see Waco through the interviewees’ eyes and we hope you think so too.
Hunter Harlow
Hunter Harlow is founder/CEO of Sendero Provisions Co., a lifestyle apparel brand based in Waco. Sendero, inspired by the stories of the West, offers products in retailers across the world and will be opening up their first brick and mortar location at The Herringbone this fall. Harlow graduated from Baylor in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, a Master of Science in Geology from the University of Kansas in 2013 and began a Ph.D. program at Baylor in 2013 before changing paths as an entrepreneur when Sendero achieved quick success in the brand marketplace. Today Sendero employs nearly 50 Wacoans, regularly offers internships to Baylor students and loves to give back to the Baylor and Waco communities.
In his spare time, you might find him in his backyard garden, fly fishing or exploring the creeks, rivers and lakes around Waco with his two kids.
How long have you lived in Waco?
We [him and his wife] moved back to Waco in 2013.
What drew you to Waco?
Right out of Baylor, I moved to Lawrence, Kansas, and I actually came back to do my dissertation in geology at Baylor in 2013. I was doing all of my research in geology on the Four Corners area — Northern Arizona, Southern Utah, northwestern New Mexico, and that’s what built my love for the Southwest. And then I led the geology department in 2017-ish, give or take. That’s how we ended up here; we came back and started Sendero in Waco. We just loved Waco a ton, and it was an opportunity to stay here.
What has kept you in Waco?
Initially, really just the community. We had a really good friend group, a really good church, we had kids here and we became good friends with their kids. I think there’s just something special about Waco and the people that live here. You’re in Waco because you want to be in Waco.
Favorite Waco memory?
My legit favorite memory in Waco is back when I was in college. It was the last game in Floyd Casey stadium, we all rushed the field. It was freezing cold and we were in grad school at the time, and I was like, ‘Rachel, we’re rushing the field, we’re going down, we never get to do this again.’ We ended up getting on the field and we got a pretty good spot. We’re up there as they’re all lifting the trophies up and seeing them shut off the lights, all one at a time. That was super cool.
Rachel Harlow
Rachel Harlow graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2010 and received her Master’s degree from the University of Kansas before returning to Waco in 2013. After teaching in Midway ISD for three years, she stayed home to care for her kids and began working in the family business by helping out in the office at Sendero Provisions Co. In her free time, you can find her grabbing a big stack of books from the library or at one of Waco’s parks with her kids.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I lived in Waco from 2007-2010 while attending Baylor, and I’m lucky to have been here since we moved back in 2013.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
Fabled Bookshop is my favorite spot to find something fun to read with my kids, pick up a special gift or escape with a coffee and a book when I have an hour or two to myself.
Favorite Waco memory?
The Baylor Homecoming Parade is one of my favorite days of the year! We have a busy schedule, but this is one weekend we also mark off on the calendar. It’s fun taking our kids to experience something we enjoyed during our college years.
Julie Potts
Midway ISD Special Education Paraprofessional
Julie Potts was born in Dallas, Texas, and moved to Waco when she met her husband in 2002. They married in 2003 and had their daughter Madi in 2005. Potts is blessed with a bonus son and daughter from her husband’s first marriage who have both made them grandparents, affectionately JuJu and Papaw. As a family, they enjoy the outdoors: hunting, fishing, football games and live music. Potts works part-time with Aire Serv of Round Rock and is entering her fourth year as a full-time paraprofessional within the SPED department at Chapel Park Elementary school in Midway ISD. Inspired by her daughter with Down Syndrome, she holds a position on the No Limitations board of directors and is an athletic coach with No Limitations and Challenger Little League baseball. Potts loves serving and enriching the lives of kids/young adults living with special needs and disabilities through adaptive sports.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I moved to Waco in 2002.
What drew you to Waco?
I met my husband through work and he is the reason that I moved to Waco; he had family here. I can’t honestly say that I fell in love with Waco right away because coming from Dallas it’s just a completely different environment and atmosphere with different opportunities. Then two years later we had our daughter Madi. Ever since she was born, I wouldn’t live anywhere else. Waco is just the most amazing community. I would never move back to Dallas now that we’ve had our daughter, and now that our family has also expanded with a son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandbabies. It is home base for sure. We aren’t going anywhere.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
My favorite store to shop in would have to be Courtney’s, but of course we love Spice Village too. My daughter and I love to shop, that’s our thing. But one of my favorite places in Waco — it’s not a place where you spend money, it’s a place you spend time with family — is Lake Waco. We love the lake, whether we’re in a boat or whether we’re on the banks or even just driving over the lake on the Twin Bridges. We love to spend time there, it’s just so rejuvenating and so peaceful and it’s fun. It’s a place where all of us can go, so it’s just a great family place where we can spend our time.
Favorite Waco memory?
My favorite memory is when we were introduced to No Limitations. It’s a local nonprofit that provides adaptive sports for special needs and disabled kids and young adults at no cost to them or their families. When I was introduced to them, it was about 10 years ago. They provide soccer, basketball, football and cheerleading for children like my daughter, who has Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, these kids aren’t included in those sports at school, so No Limitations gave us an opportunity for her to be included in these sports. In addition to the opportunity for her, I also got to be a soccer mom, a basketball mom and a cheerleading mom, which I wasn’t going to have the opportunity to do either. No Limitations now provides this opportunity for more than 200 families throughout McLennan County. So my favorite memory is definitely getting connected with the organization and becoming a part of the No Limitations network and ministry.
Ally Kadlubar
KWTX Weekday Morning Reporter and Weekend Morning Anchor
Ally Kadlubar is from Lake Charles, Louisiana, and is the morning reporter and weekend morning anchor with KWTX. She’s covered anything from freezes to fires and ice skating to rock climbing! She is passionate about sharing stories with the Waco community.
She is a May 2022 graduate from LSU in Baton Rouge. Kadlubar is an award-winning reporter, recognized as the 2024 Texas Association of Broadcasters Journalist of the Year. She had the opportunity to make a national impact by interning for NBC’s TODAY Show in the summer of 2021.
Kadlubar enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old poodle, Andy, as well as her family and friends.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and then I went to school in Baton Rouge. I went to LSU, and then right after I graduated in May 2022 I started working for KWTX in Waco in June 2022, so I’ve been here about two years and three months.
What drew you to Waco?
I grew up visiting Waco, visiting family in West, going to Westfest, going to different family occasions and things all throughout my life. I had a special connection with Waco. I loved visiting my family in West, I love my Czech heritage. My grandpa passed away a few years ago, and he had a very special connection to West, and would always talk about his Czech culture. He would teach us Czech words, Czech phrases and so being able to live that out and kind of walk in his shoes, [meeting] people that [knew] him, that know his brothers, that’s been truly touching to me.
What has kept you in Waco?
The location to home — it’s like a five-hour drive home — but I really love the people here. Just seeing people around town, they recognize me because I’m on the news, but they’re just really kind. I’m from the south, so I’m no stranger to southern hospitality, but they’re really special here. I really see kindness and this genuine effect that people have in this community specifically has made it feel comfortable.
Favorite Waco memory?
My dad loves Waco and he’s also really big into triathlons — when I was younger, he trained me on doing triathlons. So my mom, my dad and I, we did the TriWaco relay last year. My mom did the swim, my dad did the bike and I did the run. That was really special, because, first of all my dad coming back to Waco, being able to do what he loves — triathlons, especially cycling — and being able to do that in a place that he really loves, and then being able to cross the finish line together as a family. We got shirts made — Kadlubar with the Czech [flag]. Having my family kind of mix in with the Waco culture and have that event was so much fun together. I really loved that.
Sasha Davis
Member of the MCC Dance Team
Originally from Forney, Texas, Sasha Davis came to Waco to be a part of the McLennan Dance Team. She was a four-year member of the Forney Highsteppers and is now a member of the MCC squad that claimed the program’s seventh consecutive NDA national championship. She is currently majoring in arts at MCC and plans to continue on to a four-year university to continue dancing and to major in fashion design. Things that surprise her about Waco include how close the community is, as well as the tiny gems throughout Waco. Being able to experience a dance team that acts as a family has been so impactful to her college experience.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I just moved here to start college. So, this is my second year, going to my sophomore year at MCC.
What has kept you in Waco?
The legacy that the team has, it’s really cool to be a part of it. The McLennan Dance Team has won 12 national titles. We do high energy, jazz palm and hip-hop dances; that’s what we’re usually known for. And we perform at our basketball games, HOT Fair, McGregor. And then in April, we go to NDA nationals in Daytona, Florida.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
I think my favorite thing in Waco is definitely Cameron Park, because I love to sit by the water and read.
Favorite Waco memory?
This is the first place I’ve been alone and ever lived by myself. So, I think it’s cool to just experience that and have cool places to go to and it’s a cool town to explore.
Lynsie Gomez
City of Woodway Event & Tourism Superintendent
Lynsie Gomez is a dedicated community leader and Waco native with a passion for event planning and the arts. She graduated from Connally High School and continued her education at McLennan Community College before earning her Bachelor of Arts in theatre arts and education from Texas Tech University. During the COVID pandemic, Gomez felt a strong pull to return to her hometown to be closer to her family and friends. Her creativity and love for her community guided her to City of Woodway, where she now oversees city events and tourism initiatives. She thrives on creating and hosting fun and engaging events, combining her artistic flair with her passion for community involvement. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, video games, thrifting and spending quality time with her loved ones, often exploring her favorite local spots in Waco.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I have lived in Waco for a little bit over 20 years.
What has kept you in Waco?
My family is from the area, and all my friends and fondest memories are here. The city is rich in history, but there’s also always something new to explore. At this point in my life, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. Waco is my home.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
I don’t think it’s necessarily hidden, or at least I hope it isn’t because they deserve recognition, but I would go with Central Goods. It’s the most amazing little vintage store with incredible owners. I love going there when I just want to turn off my brain and look at some antiques and maybe bring one or two home with me.
Favorite Waco memory?
I was a part of the MCC theater program from 2013 to 2015, so I would have to say my favorite Waco memory is being a part of that department. The professors really helped me grow in all aspects of my life. We created so many great memories from each production and class. I especially loved our late night trips to the Suspension Bridge after a long night of rehearsal to blow off steam and have fun.
Chief Khalil AbdAllah El-Halabi
Woodway Public Safety Director
Chief Khalil Abdallah El-Halabi has been with the Woodway Public Safety Department since 2008. He is dual certified as a police and firefighter and holds a master’s degree from Kaplan University. He is also currently pursuing his Doctorate in Public Administration through Liberty University. Chief El-Halabi was named president of his police academy and president of L.E.M.I.T Leadership College Class #91. Chief El-Halabi has been recognized multiple times as his department’s Officer of the Year and was the recipient of the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 Under 40 award which recognizes up-and-coming public safety leaders from around the world. Chief El-Halabi was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States as a child during Lebanon’s Civil War. He has been married to Callie El-Halabi since 2012, and they have two sons.
How long have you lived in Waco?
My family immigrated from Lebanon to Kansas, of all places — still figuring out the reason for that one. Then we came to Waco in 2002. I went to UNT to finish up my B.S., but I’ve been here since.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
The Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway. It has a beautiful white hall that is actually a replica of the first church built in Woodway, as well as butterfly gardens and well-kept hiking trails. I also love going to the Cameron Park Zoo with my children and wife. We never went before we had kids, and I absolutely regret not going sooner. The smaller zoo size allows for a really personal experience connecting with the animals.
Favorite Waco memory?
My favorite memory from this area was on a cold December night in 2011, when I asked my wife to marry me in front of a piece of property I had just bought and planned to build a house on. The sky was clear, and all the stars in the Texas sky were shining over Waco — it was a beautiful moment.
Johnny Bustamante
Musician
Johnny Bustamante started out playing in his father’s band, Maxie Bustamante Los Alegres. Out of high school, he formed Johnny Bustamante and The L.A. Band. In the ‘90s, the band signed with Warner Bros. and gained national sponsorship from Anheuser Bush. Bustamante toured with Pepsi for two years throughout the country in the ‘90s with local, very talented musicians from the MCC music program until 2007 when he semi-retired after a performance at the Houston rodeo to be with family and then 7-year-old son, Johnpaul. While attending high school at what’s now Bishop Louis Reicher, Johnpaul learned drums and guitar and would later practice and perform with Johnny and some L.A. Band colleagues while attending the mechanical engineering program at Baylor University. After his son graduated in ‘22, Johnny was inspired to form The Yacht Crew. Johnpaul is currently juggling a career at L3 Harris, playing in The Yacht Crew and running the robotics program at Bishop Louis Reicher middle school. Gigs average once a week and they have a mix of easy listening music and Tejano, never forgetting their roots.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I was born and raised here. My parents lived here before the I-35 was built, and they actually had to move their house so the I-35 could be built. I graduated from University High School and lived here all my life.
What has kept you in Waco?
I never had any kind of aspirations to move anywhere. I took over my father’s tile company, Bustamante Tile, and I’ve worked for them while pursuing my musical career. I signed with Warner Brothers in ‘90 and toured for 16 years, all while keeping the Bustamante Tile company. I try my best to work with all Waco musicians, and I’ve found a lot of very, very good talent out of Waco. I don’t have to go to a metropolitan city, there’s talent right here in Waco.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
We have so many little spots for live music, that’s what I really treasure about Waco. We used to work taverns, but I wanted to start doing classier music, more easy listening. I love playing Segovia’s Wine Bar, right next to Hecho en Waco in the Magnolia area. We also play Lounge ‘93, it’s a really classy place.
Favorite Waco memory?
Probably playing at the Brazos Nights, looking out and seeing so many people. I used to have to go on the road to get that kind of atmosphere, so to be able to see that here at home was a totally different feeling. I think Brazos Nights is really good for Waco, and the city is backing it up so well by doing their part to find better ways to accommodate people.
Jessica Colley
Basin Climbing and Fitness Co-owner & General Manager
Jessica Colley is a co-owner and general manager of Basin Climbing and Fitness. She has nearly a decade of experience as a wilderness guide and outdoor educator as well as a passion for creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to engage with art and adventure. Colley came to Waco in 2015 for Baylor and stayed in town after graduating to start Basin with her business partners and Brazos Bike Lounge with her Waco-native husband, Floyd Colley.
You may recognize her from her time as the head bartender of Sloane’s, where you can still frequently find her mixing up a tasty beverage and enjoying the wonderful Waco community.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I moved here in 2015 to go to Baylor.
What has kept you in Waco?
I like to find all the nooks and crannies of a city, and it became apparent while living here that Waco has lots of nooks and crannies. My husband grew up in Waco, so I have a bit of a cheat code to finding all the local favorites, but I’ve also loved discovering them on my own.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
I’m biased towards the places I’ve worked. I’m really excited for Basin, the climbing gym that we just opened here. We wanted to fill the need for an air-conditioned communal hub where you could do something other than drink or eat. Otherwise, if I’m looking for a drink or a coffee, Sloane’s is one of my favorite spots in all of Waco, and I love both Dichotomy and Pinewood.
Favorite Waco memory?
My husband and I have a tradition of going to the Farmers Market every Saturday morning. It’s just a lovely anchor for the week, and there’s always new food to try or people we know to talk with.
Maverick Moore
Baylor Senior Lecturer, Film & Digital Media
Beginning as a skateboarding videographer, Maverick Moore is now an award-winning filmmaker who specializes in writing, directing and editing narrative short films. Collectively, his recent narrative short films — “My Dinner with Werner” and “Shotgun” — have won over 60 awards (including jury and audience awards for “Best Picture”) and have been recognized by over 175 film festivals worldwide, including the Palm Springs International ShortFest and the Austin Film Festival. Most recently, he was the editor of “Ado,” a short film directed by Sam Henderson and starring Jenifer Lewis.
Moore is a Senior Lecturer in the Film & Digital Media department at Baylor University, where he teaches classes related to short film production. Moore has also served as a panelist, reviewer and awards jury member for a variety of national film festivals and is the short film programmer for Waco Independent Film Festival.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I’ve been teaching the film department here at Baylor since 2015, but I was here for grad school before that. So when you add it all up, it actually adds up to about a third of my life, which is pretty eye opening, but it’s been fun.
What drew you to Waco?
The cool answer would be to study film at grad school at Baylor; the real answer was a girl. Sorry to anyone that thought otherwise. The good news is that it worked out because we got married.
What has kept you in Waco?
The film community here is alive and well, especially at Baylor. And despite all of that, Waco has this really cozy small town vibe that’s welcoming and not at all overwhelming, and I think ultimately it just feels like home.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
I go to Cafe Cap [Cappuccino] and Schmaltz literally once a week. It’s to the point where the good folks there know exactly what I’m gonna order, because it’s the exact same thing every single time. Beyond that, I’m really into pop culture and collectibles, so I do love going to Bankston’s every now and then.
Favorite Waco memory?
I got engaged here. I got married here, made my films here. And I’ve even seen my students do the same. So, the truth is there’s been so many awesome things that have happened over the years, and I think it’s all collectively changed and defined who I am, I think for the better. That might be sort of a cop out, but that’s honestly my answer. Just the whole ride, the whole experience, the whole chapter.
Hana Oh
TSTC Mental Health Counselor
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Hana Oh moved to Waco in 2004 to attend Baylor University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and science disorders. In 2019, she returned to her Alma Mater to earn her Master’s of Science in social work from the Diana Garland School of Social Work. Oh is now a licensed master social worker currently serving students at Texas State Technical College on the Waco and East Williamson County campuses as a Mental Health Counselor. Oh’s priority in her work is to create spaces that are safe enough for her clients to feel that they can show up as their best and worst selves and be seen and heard without judgment.
Outside of work, Oh stays busy with her family on their farm and enjoys traveling as much as possible.
How long have you lived in Waco?
August of 2004. I came to Waco to go to Baylor, and I’ve been here on and off since then, but pretty much that whole time.
What has kept you in Waco?
I always say that Waco is where I became my own person. I was here as an 18-year-old, fresh out of my parents’ home, with the foundation of their upbringing and their care and kindness for me. But I came to Waco as an individual, and then just really came into myself, and I’ve discovered who I am, who I want to be, what I value and how I want to exist in the world.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
The first thing that comes to mind is actually the Waco Dam. It’s so beautiful and you feel like you’re not even in Waco. It’s a great place to walk, to think, to see something new, see something beautiful.
Favorite Waco memory?
Baylor Homecoming weekend always kind of stands out to me. It’s a very Waco thing, you just see so many people coming back to town with their families and you can go anywhere during that weekend and see Baylor alumni. The turning of the weather, it gets a little cooler, the bonfire, the football game and the parade, those all just feel pretty iconic. I think that it does kind of take over the town a little bit.
Craig Miller
Mill-King Market and Creamery CEO
Craig Miller is owner and CEO of Mill-King Market and Creamery, a dairy and farmstead creamery specializing in minimally processed, unadulterated milk located outside Waco. After growing up locally on the family dairy farm, Miller attended Tarleton State University, returning home in 2004 with his wife Rhianna to start a bovine genetics business while also working on the family farm. Spurred by economic changes in the dairy industry in 2010, this third-generation dairyman, along with his parents and wife, transformed the family farm from selling bulk milk to the large dairy cooperative to selling a specialized natural product direct to consumers. Miller can also often be found teaching math to his homeschooled 13-year-old daughter or helping with a variety of ministries in Waco.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I’m a third-generation dairyman, so I was born here. I left for college, but otherwise I’ve lived here for decades.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
There are so many restaurants, but my favorite would have to be Armstrong’s [Bayou] at Union Hall — I never hear anyone talk about it, but they have the most authentic Cajun food this Central Texan has ever had. For dessert, my go-to is Heritage Creamery.
Favorite Waco memory?
I’m not even a big football guy, but it would have to be when Art Briles and RG3 had their “Year of the Bear.”
Debbie Wright
Cultivate 7Twelve Gallery Director
Debbie Wright is an accomplished writer and the Gallery Director of Cultivate 7Twelve here in Waco. With a passion for community engagement and the arts, her work has been featured in numerous local and national publications, covering topics in arts, lifestyle, culture and community events. Wright also hosts the “Know Waco” podcast, highlighting upcoming events and activities in the Waco area. She holds a degree in communications and public relations from Texas Tech University.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I’ve lived in Waco for 14 years. My parents moved here when I was in sixth grade because we wanted to live somewhere with trees and water, so Waco was kinda thrust upon me and I was thrust upon Waco.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
Honestly, it has to be all the amazing small restaurants — the Olive Branch, which a lot of people don’t know about, and then places like Cafe Cappuccino. I’m a big foodie. I’m also a coffee girlie, so I love the coffee shops and bakeries.
Favorite Waco memory?
Getting to go into the ALICO for the first time. I have an office on the 21st floor, and the first time I was up there I was glued to the windows because the view is incredible. You feel like you can see everything the light touches. I also remember playing in the lake in the summertime when I was a child.
Kristen Saenz
Baylor University Director of Spirit and Traditions
Kristen Saenz was named the Director of Spirit and Traditions for Baylor University in 2024 and is co-owner of Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics. Saenz loves Baylor’s traditions and the electric atmosphere of game day. Saenz graduated from Baylor University with an undergraduate degree in education and received her Master’s of Science in sports management. Saenz and her husband Daniel purchased Texas Dynasty and attributes the gym’s growth to the fantastic team of people with a passion for teaching and growing young athletes through sport. She loves Baylor’s traditions and the electric atmosphere of game day! When Saenz is not on the sidelines or at TXD, you can find her relaxing at home with her husband and four dogs. They enjoy swimming, running and traveling during their free time and can be seen trying out new and fun local spots around town.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I moved to Waco in the fall of 1999 to attend Baylor.
What drew you to Waco?
I have grown up in a Baylor family. A lot of my family members have attended Baylor. I’ve loved Baylor since I was a little girl. It’s been the one school that I’ve always wanted to go to, and so I was really excited when it was finally time to graduate, and it was my turn to get to come to Waco and Baylor. It’s kind of a dream come true.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
Over the summer, we would go to BLVD [Steakhouse] on Friday nights and listen to the piano player there. Now that it’s football season, we don’t have the opportunity to do that anymore, but we really enjoyed that this summer; that was something we looked forward to.
Favorite Waco memory?
I think that something unique to me, and one of my favorite things right now, is football game day on the field. I think McLane Stadium can get really electric, and it’s one of my favorite memories of just being at a football game, and the energy is high and it’s a close game, and there’s just been so many major milestones and moments that are some of my favorite memories.
Andrea Barefield
Andrea Barefield was elected to serve on the Waco City Council representing District 1 in 2018 and is currently serving her fourth term. She serves on numerous boards and commissions, including Texas Municipal League, Texas Association of Black City Council Members, National League of Cities, REAL — Race Equity and Leadership — NLC, Texas Travel Alliance Board, Prosper Waco Board, NAACP, Communities in Schools Board, McLennan County Community Investment Fund, StartUp Waco Board and the Texas Lyceum.
Barefield joined the Ardurra Group, an engineering firm in 2023 as a Client Services Manager.
She is also a proud member of the Waco Central Texas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Waco Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Barefield is a Sam Houston State University graduate, where she met husband Elijah, and they have been happily married for 21 years. They have two beautiful sons, Drew and Jaxon.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I am a native Wacoan. I left for college, and when I graduated Sam Houston State I moved to Austin for a couple years, then I moved to Houston for almost 14 years. Now, I’ve been back in Waco since 2014.
How have you seen Waco change?
More people are involved in shaping our community than before. It’s not just the newcomers, but people who have really owned their community at this point and are really hands-on in making sure that it continues to be Waco for everybody. If you watched our belaboring process to rebrand our community, there are so many people involved in making the city a city to believe in. The Bledsoe-Miller Community Center we are transforming into the Doris Miller STEAM Center, and offering that as a place of more access for everybody. It’s “edutainment,” if you want to call it that, from K to gray. It will offer everything from robotics and computer science to culinary spaces and recording studios. Everything that you can think of will be there to help our community prepare for this technologically advanced world and keep them in the game as technology advances, but with access so everyone can afford it and get to it. That’s what the change in Waco is about, keeping Waco forward-facing and future-moving.
Favorite Waco memory?
When I was a young girl, before school started every year, my mama, who is former mayor Mae Jackson, would take me to have “Big Girl Lunch.” We would go to Sironia and have “Big Girl Lunch” in what is now considered Uptown. That was something I looked forward to every year, and I really felt like a big girl.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
There are so many. Probably our local shops, whether that be food, retail or beauty. Like Marilyn’s Gift Gallery on Elm, and Carr’s Beauty Supply, and the corner station where you can get your inspections on Fifth. I just love that Waco has been able to withstand centuries of economic ups and downs because the source and strength of our economic foundation are small businesses. Waco is big enough to give you most of what you want, and small enough to give you everything that you need. The small businesses in our community are my hidden gems.
Autumn Outlaw
Dr Pepper Museum Director of Marketing and Development
Autumn Outlaw has called Waco home for over 25 years and loves all things Waco — especially Dr Pepper! After a decade on the Dr Pepper Museum’s board, she joined the Museum full-time. Outlaw also serves on Mission Waco, China Spring Education Foundation, City of Waco Parks and Rec and China Spring Neighborhood Association boards. A familiar face around town, she’s the spokesperson for Richard Karr Motors and works on special projects for KWTX. Outlaw enjoys life with her husband, Mark, a native Wacoan, and their kids, Knox, Ellis and Jetta. She’s excited about her 15th “Dress a Day in May” in 2025. She is a proud alumna of TSTC and Tarleton State University in Waco.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I have lived in Waco for 26 years.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
I work at the Dr Pepper Museum, and I don’t think people realize how much it has changed over the years. I will have people tell me that they haven’t been to the museum since junior high, and I say, ‘Oh then you haven’t been.’ We have a lot of visitors from out of town, and a lot of people from Waco come as well. It is a museum, but it’s also a lot more. You can make your own soda — the spots for that tend to fill up but if they aren’t full you can always jump right in. Then of course there is George’s, I met my husband there right after college. I also think that Mission Waco is underrecognized. A lot of people know that they work to help the homeless, but they also do so much for the community and put on many events.
Favorite Waco memory?
I met my husband and raised a family here, and the connections I have made have really lasted through the years. Being a young professional in Waco I met so many people, and those relationships I made at 22 years old have lasted all this time.
Dean Jeremy Counseller
Baylor Dean and Abner V. McCall Chair of Evidence Law
Dean Jeremy Counseller, MBA ’00, JD ’00, The Abner V. McCall Chair of Evidence Law at Baylor and member of Baylor Law School’s faculty since 2003, assumed the deanship on July 1, 2024. As a professor, he has earned a reputation for scholarly expertise on various evidentiary and procedural issues while teaching a variety of classes, including serving on Baylor Law’s Practice Court Program faculty. He has been honored with Baylor University’s Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching in 2007 as a tenure-track professor and for the 2021-2022 academic year, recognizing his excellence in teaching, research, committee service, student engagement and community involvement.
Dean Counseller and his wife Jennifer have three children: Jack, a second-year medical student; Brett, a junior at Baylor; and Kate, a junior in high school.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I have lived here for a little over 21 years since I joined the faculty at Baylor. It is my second stint because I was a student here in the late ‘90s for several years before moving back to Houston.
What has kept you in Waco?
The great thing is that Waco has been tremendously positive for us and for our family, far more than we had expected. I think about how my children have developed into people who care about their neighbors and I think that is a direct result of living in a place where you’re not anonymous. You may not know everyone but you know someone who knows everyone else, and people are very connected to one another here. I think for us that gives us a sense of responsibility for each other, and for children it gives a sense of accountability. My kids know that if they misbehave somewhere in public that someone we know will know that they are misbehaving, and I think that is just a wonderful environment in which to raise children.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
There are many places I like — the gem part is not hard, but the hidden part is what’s hard. It is not so hidden anymore, but when we first moved into our neighborhood there was the “secret” ice cream shop, Helados La Azteca. They are a big business now around town, but at the time they would sell the ice cream out of the back of the shop. The kids would, with our supervision, walk across the street and get ice cream at the secret shop, and it was really neat for the kids to get to do that. They aren’t so hidden anymore, but that was one of our favorite parts of the neighborhood.
Favorite Waco memory?
I have to say the birth of my two daughters. I have three kids, and my two daughters were born here. The other one is that this summer, my son was married here in Waco at our church, and that is a fantastic memory. I could go on and on about the memories I have from Waco. I have great memories
of meals with friends and great conversations around town. In terms of lifetime milestones, I can think back and marvel at the deep roots we’ve planted here. I don’t know if I would have said this when I moved here, but Waco is our home now, and I don’t foresee us ever leaving Waco.
Harold Alexander
Owner of Artier Resale
Born and raised in Brownwood, Texas, Harold Alexander moved to Waco in 1974 to attend the Waco Beauty College, and has built a substantial career and community presence in the years since then. In addition to owning his own hair salon throughout the ‘80s, Harold established his creative presence in Waco as a makeup artist, photographer, sewist, designer and performer. As a community member passionate about his adopted city and its evolution, Harold ran for Mayor in 1988 and has served on boards across town, including at Waco Civic Theatre, and was a founding member of the GLACT. Today, Harold owns and operates Artier Resale, a consignment shop that he founded in 2005, and continues to be a quintessential community member.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I came to Waco in 1974.
How have you seen Waco change?
I still think Waco is a little town; to me nothing has changed. More things have come in and added to what was here, but for me nothing has changed. I was coming back home on Washington Ave. and I saw my friend McKenzie watering the flowers outside Tecovas, so I rolled my window down and yelled to her, then down the way a little bit farther I saw someone else I know and waved at them. So, it’s still a small town to me. And there wasn’t any traffic on Washington Ave., either.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
Of course, Laverty’s. The Bevy Boutique out in Robinson, that’s a hidden gem; it’s a consignment store. I like eating at El Ranchito. And Cameron Park is a given. There are a lot of cool places locally, but I am old school and I try to send my customers to as many cool places as possible.
Favorite Waco memory?
I have done tons and tons in this town — I’ve sat on boards, I haven’t just sat around. But I think my favorite thing I have ever done in this town is that I ran for Mayor in 1988. It was the first mayoral election in a long time. Previously they had been chosen among the city council. As a business person, I ran, and I came in third place out of sixth which is not to be sneezed at. At that time, I was traveling for work with Paul Mitchell, so I got to be in similar-sized communities all over the state and I felt I could have gone and picked brains at other city halls without the city having to foot the bill. I could go and see other communities that would have been comparable, it would be a win-win.
Waco has been a very positive and very affirming community.
Abby Head
Cheddar Box & Pop’s Lemonade Co-owner
Abby was born and raised in the South and after spending some time abroad, she made her home in Waco, Texas. After 10 years of serving as a speech therapist, Abby embarked on a new journey and opened Cheddar Box [Gourmet Grilled Cheese] in 2014. That business began a new chapter of her life: She met her husband Omari while serving customers at her food truck. Since then, they have served the Waco community through hospitality, co-founding Head Hospitality, Franklin Ave Mac House and Pop’s Lemonade. She is also a mother to two beautiful girls, Evi and Andy, and resides in Waco with her family.
How long have you lived in Waco?
15 years.
How have you seen Waco change?
We are all familiar with how much tourism has positively impacted our city’s economy over the past 10 years. It has been a remarkable thing to watch — to see the world flock to our community and experience the Texas-sized hospitality that we have to offer. Omari and I have had a unique opportunity to directly see the “behind-the-scenes” impact the tourism growth has had with the food and beverage industry. I am extremely proud of everyone we have worked closely with. The ways local businesses have learned and grown has been no small feat. Then you throw in a pandemic and everything gets a little chaotic. But this city’s strength, determination and creativity is another reminder of why I chose to plant roots here for the long-haul.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
Our two little girls are still pretty young (2 and 4) and we are always looking for places that allow their curiosity to run wild without making us run, too! The Hewitt Public Library is tucked away off Ritchie Road and their outdoor area has a very large covered patio as well as a yard where the kids can run around. My kids love the percussion installations outside. When you’re ready to step back inside, the children’s play area is loaded with options for different ages: books, building blocks, a puppet-show area, kitchen and accessories and also a rotating selection of child-led creative and educational activities. Our entire family loves this place!
Favorite Waco memory?
On August 30, 2014, I took a risk and went for a dream I had always had — to start a business where I could serve people. Cheddar Box [Gourmet Grilled Cheese] was born and I began to serve the greatest city with the greatest people. That day, I was completely overwhelmed by the support we received from the community of Wacoans — many of whom I had never met. That day it was sealed for me — Waco is ‘my tribe’ and I want to continue pouring into the success and support of this amazing place.
Omari Head
Cheddar Box & Pop’s Lemonade Co-owner
Omari was born and raised in Oklahoma City. After making his way to Waco to attend Truett Theological Seminary, he found his home in the Waco community. He served as a college and worship pastor for 10 years before making the jump to entrepreneurship. He is passionate about hospitality and serving others, so he co-founded Head Hospitality Brands with his wife, Abby. Head Hospitality serves the community through Cheddar Box, Pop’s Lemonade and HH Catering. He is the proud father of two amazing little girls, Evi & Andy.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I have lived in Waco since 2008.
What has kept you in Waco?
It’s the perfect place to live, raise our two little girls, and pursue our dreams. Waco has been such a great place to start a business. It’s the people that make the city, and Waco has amazing people who care for one another and support local businesses.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
We recently took our girls to Camp Fimfo for the day and it was amazing. Great people and great environment. It’s the perfect place for a staycation or even just a day to unplug. So much to do!
Favorite Waco memory?
My favorite Waco memory is meeting Abby at Cheddar Box at the Magnolia Silos. It was the perfect beginning to the life we now have in the city we love so much!
Chloe Rubio
2024 Miss Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo and Connally High School Senior
Chloe Rubio is a senior at Connally High School. She has been a Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo Sweetheart for three years now, and absolutely adores the program. This year, she was honored to be named Miss Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo. “I enjoy being a Sweetheart because it is a wonderful way to engage with and give back to the community,” said Chloe.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I’ve lived in Waco all my life, so 17 years.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
If West counts as Waco, my favorite gem is the restaurant Two Amigos. It’s a Mexican restaurant, my friend and his family work there and they serve really good food. The hosting is great and they are really great with people.
Favorite Waco memory?
My favorite memory in Waco has to be when we have the Brazos Nights. People would come down in the summer and have little concerts, and we have bouncy houses and all of the food trucks.
Yolexis Perez
The Cove Youth Advocate
Yolexis (Lexi) Perez is the Nurture Center Coordinator for The Cove – Heart of Texas, Inc. Perez is a local Wacoan, born and raised in Waco. She is a proud University High School alumni; as they say, “Once a Trojan, Always a Trojan.” Perez earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. After graduating from SHSU, Perez returned to her hometown of Waco to begin her journey in the legal field, help run the family business and continue her studies. She earned her paralegal degree from McLennan Community College. Throughout her ongoing studies at MCC and Baylor University, Perez discovered her passion for helping people.
How long have you lived in Waco?
I was born and raised in Waco. I moved away for college for about four years before I moved back, and I’ve been here ever since.
Favorite hidden gem in Waco?
I love the Arboretum, and I feel like a lot of people don’t know about it because it’s further out. I took all my quinceañera pictures there, and it is just a really tranquil place to be. And then Cameron Park, too. Cameron Park has many great hidden spots and trails.
Favorite Waco memory?
That is a hard question, having been born and raised here. My most recent favorite memory is participating in Mission Waco’s annual Walk for the Homeless. I never knew about the event before I started working on my social work degree, but being in that world now and learning about the community has led me to find memorable experiences I am passionate about. At the walk, I got to see different organizations, meet with people, do some networking and help a good cause. We were able to participate and to be in-person meeting homeless people in the community.
Bro. Thomas AquiNoZe
President of the NoZe
Brotherhood since 1924
